Braves Force Game Three Against A’s in Mavericks League Playoffs

Victoria, BC (ISN) – The Braves, or more precisely Matt Atkinson, who pitched a 1 hit shut-out and knocked in 2 first inning runs, were able to stave off elimination and defeat the A’s 4-0 Sunday at Lambrick Park to force a third and deciding game in their semi-final matchup of the Mavericks Senior Men’s Baseball League.

After a scoreless top of the first, the Braves answered with all 4 of their runs in the bottom of the inning as Mike DeGirolamo and Nick Urff stroked back-to-back singles off A’s starter Adam Cessford to get things going.

Tony Dill then reached on a fielders choice, as a throwing error by A’s shortstop Charlie Strandlund allowed DeGirolamo to score and put the Braves up 1-0.

Atkinson then followed with a 2-RBI single to make it 3-0 and after another single by Alex Sessa, a throwing error by A’s catcher Matt Kettleson allowed another run to score putting the Braves up 4-0.

The Braves would get steady defence from third baseman Alex Sessa (left) and right fielder Tony Dill (right) among others during their win (Photos: Christian J. Stewart / Island Sports News)

After that, is was all pitching and defence as both the Braves Atkinson and the A’s Cessford cruised through their respective opposition’s line ups without incident.

The A’s did threaten in the second, loading the bases with 2 outs, and again in the third with runners on second and third, but could not get anything across as Atkinson would shut the door in those innings.

Meanwhile after Cessford’s troublesome first inning, he would allow only 2 more hits the rest of the way, but his offence was equally as inefficient as the Braves, and after their threats in the second and third, they would be retired in order by the Braves Atkinson in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings.

The A’s Adam Cessford would pitch a fine game for the A’s but a tough first inning would be his downfall in the 4-0 loss (Photo: Christian J. Stewart / ISland Sports News)

The teams will now move on to a third and deciding game on Monday night at 6:30 pm at Lambrick Park, with the winner moving on to the Rithet Cup finals that begin Tuesday.

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